As someone often referred to as a “motivational speaker”, my job is to get you thinking. To inspire, to educate; both good things. This morning though I want to challenge you. I’ve just read what has to be one of the most concerning and disappointing articles I’ve read in a long time. Fears for the world’s poor countries as the rich grab land to grow food basically tells me we’ve learnt nothing from the events of the past year and a half. Nothing. Zilch. Have a read of the above article; it’s ok, I’ll wait…

If we all follow the lead of these investment companies and begin investing in other countries farmland, where do you think that will lead us? What happened when we turned one of our basic human necessities (i.e. shelter) into a stock market commodity? A bubbled, absolutely unsustainable housing market that’s left many now underwater. And that’s only the financial side of it. Think of the social costs; the lack of real community, the sheer “fakeness” of most suburbs. What do you think will happen when we do the same thing to food? Why can’t we support and encourage developing nations to improve their own food production? We’ve screwed them enough with our system of “aid” and forcing them to grow cash crops for us instead of food they desperately need, now we need to take it one step further and buy their land so we can line our pockets…

OK, that’s my rant. To say it made me sick to read this is somewhat of an understatement. But, there’s some good news…

People often tell me how powerless they feel. They want to know what they can do to make a difference. It’s actually quite easy.

Here’s what you do.

You don’t even consider buying a Daewoo. Better yet, pop into the dealer whilst shopping for cars and tell them why. Write them a letter; tell them how disgusted you are in their “investments”.

You talk to your investment advisor/ financial planner. Ask them if your portfolio has any money invested n companies investing in foreign farmland. If it has, pull it. Get it out. It’s that simple; they’re doing this with your money.

Denial doesn’t cut it any more. We can pretend we didn’t see the housing bubble while we sat there right inside it. This time you’ve been given ample warning. It’s coming folks; it’s up to you and me to do something about it…